European Green Woodpecker

Picus viridis

Unlike most woodpeckers, the green woodpecker feeds mainly on the ground, digging into ant nests. Its loud, laughing call is distinctive; males show a red centre to the moustache stripe, which is plain black in females.

Group
Woodpeckers
Photos
1
Taken
2021

Profile: European Green Woodpecker

Family
Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Size
30–36 cm
Wingspan
approx. 45–51 cm
Habitat
Semi-open country with old trees and short-grass areas, such as traditional orchards, parks, gardens and woodland edges.
Diet
Mainly ground-dwelling ants with their larvae and pupae, which it extracts from their tunnels with its tongue of up to 10 cm; also other insects, earthworms and fruit.
When to see
Resident, wandering somewhat in winter; can be seen all year round.

Learn more: Wikipedia · NABU (German)